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"Tools of the Trade: Exporting" Seminar June 22

PLATTSBURGH, NY___ Selling products or services in Canada or other countries can increase profits, but many companies are reluctant to try because they don't know how.  The North Country Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh and the North Country Chamber of Commerce have assembled a group of experts to discuss how to take advantage of foreign markets. 

Co-sponsored with the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC), Empire State Development (ESD) and CITEC Manufacturing & Technology Solutions, the "Tools of the Trade: Exporting" Seminar will be held Thursday, June 22, at the Chamber offices, 7061 Route 9 in Plattsburgh, from 8  a.m. to 1  p.m.
     
The session will provide business owners and representatives the opportunity to talk with the speakers.  Cost to attend is $15 per person for members of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, Lake Placid Essex County Visitors Bureau, Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce, Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce, Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce, North Warren Chamber of Commerce, Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce or Montreal Board of Trade, and $30 per person for non-members. 
 
The government wants you to be successful and these programs are designed to help you do it.  Michael Grossman, USDOC international trade specialist, and Gerald Shaye, director of international trade development with ESD, will explain how they can help entrepreneurs now and as the company and its sales grow.
 
The USDOC and ESD both have programs to help entrepreneurs export products and services.  They help find customers overseas, find out if there is a market for products or services and develop export strategies.  They can also help businesses find financing if they need it.  The USDOC and ESD will explain the tax credits and other incentives businesses may qualify for if they export. 
     
These two agencies can assist exporters in winning contract bids in other countries and help companies learn about the cultural issues and business protocol of the country in which they are considering doing business, thus preventing costly errors.  These agencies also help exporters comply with legal or regulatory issues in other countries and can assist in settling disputes between the exporter and new customers. 
 
Other experts featured during the session will include Ralph Bocchino, vice president and regional trade manager of trade services for HSBC, who will explain how to ensure businesses get their money after selling products or services in another country.  Bocchino will discuss letters of credit, drafts, foreign exchange and credit checks.  He will also talk about the types of financing available for export projects.  Your banker and the government, working together, may be able to help you get that exciting project off the ground.
 
A customs expert will discuss exporting regulations and how a customs broker or freight forwarder can help businesses get their products to their customers by ensuring paperwork is correctly completed and invoices are properly worded.  The expert will also explain how a logistics company can help ship products safely and efficiently.
 
Wondering what legal issues you may encounter?  Leslie Thiele, a partner at Whiteman Osterman Hanna, will explain some of the exporting pitfalls.
 
There's nothing like hearing from someone who has been through the process to make theory understandable.  Fran Wynnik, who has responsibility for export sales development at Belcam, Inc., will share her experience and success with the attendees.
 
The representatives from USDOC and ESD will also be available to meet with attendees after the session to discuss special situations, opportunities and how the government may be able to assist.
 
To register for the "Tools of the Trade: Exporting" Seminar, or more information, call the Chamber at 518-563-1000.
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The NYS/SBDC at Plattsburgh, part of the School of Business and Economics at SUNY Plattsburgh, works one-on-one in a confidential setting with emerging, existing and expanding entrepreneurs by exploring avenues for funding, marketing and management. The staff provides these services at no cost to clients in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and northern Washington counties.  For additional information contact the NYS/SBDC at 518-564-2042. Visit the SBDC by online at www.plattsburgh.edu/offices/support/sbdc .
     
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